San Antonio -
This past week was filled with excitement, disappointment, and surprise for NBA fans. We learned Dwight Howard would need surgery, and that Kobe Bryant and Amare Stoudemire would likely return to their respective teams Friday, and they did.

Following what was arguably the most entertaining season in modern basketball last year, the NBA returns today with a plentitude of storylines. Between Christmas Day devotees and hardwood-aholics alike, I'm betting nobody slept last night.

As fans we knew the lockout was coming, and we figured that the preseason would be part of the casualty, but now the regular season is in jeopardy. Both sides seem to be further away than expected, and the fans look like the ones that will suffer.

Reports are swirling that the Cleveland Cavaliers will finalize a deal that brings Phoenix power forward Amar'e Stoudemire to the club. Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson will be packaged in the trade to the Suns.